In an article for Fox Sports yesterday, former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo called on the National Football League to support the LGBT community by publically aligning itself with an organization working toward equality.

He stated,

“When the NFL does take such action, maybe players will be more at liberty to feel not only that they can be themselves at the workplace, but also that their employer has their best interest at heart and not just the bottom line. I would even argue that profits would increase if there were a gay player on the roster. At the end of the day, I have played with several gay athletes in my tenure with the NFL. I just didn’t know it!”

To learn more about the cadre of professional athletes, actors, actresses, elected officials and civil rights leaders that stand as staunch allies for the LGBT community, visit HRC’s Coming Out Center.